Chapter 28 - THE WEDDING WITHOUT SECRETS Claire and Marcus married in the courtyard of the Vale House.
No chandeliers.
No billionaire guests.
No television cameras.
Just family.
Friends.
Children.
Truth.
Lily carried the rings.
Margaret sat quietly in the second row.
Vanessa cried before Claire even reached the aisle.
When Claire reached Marcus, he whispered:
“You okay?”
She smiled.
“For the first time?”
She looked around.
“Completely.”
After the ceremony, Lily pulled them toward a giant canvas.
She had painted three figures holding hands beneath a golden sky.
Above them were the words:
HOME IS WHERE NOBODY HAS TO LIE.
Claire cried.
Marcus cried.
Vanessa cried.
Even Ramirez pretended she had something in her eye.
That night, Claire tucked Lily into bed.
“Mommy?”
“Yes?”
“Are bad things finished?”
Claire thought carefully.
She refused to lie to her daughter.
“Bad things happen.”
Lily frowned.
Claire kissed her forehead.
“But we know how to face them together now.”
May you like
Lily smiled.
That answer was enough.
